Permutation-lock



(No Model.) 6 SheetsSheet 1.

M. A. DALTON.

PERMUTATION LOOK. No. 329,820. Patented Nov. 3, 1885.

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(No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 2.

M. A. DALTON.

PERMITTATION LOUK. No. 329,820. Patented Nov. 3, 1885.

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w 99.885 Jfivenior W -WNW, y w 1 (No Model.) 6 SheetsSheet 3..

MIL DALTON.

PERMUTATION LOOK.

No. 329,820. Patented Nov. 3, 1885.

ZIII/ N. PLTERS. Phalvumugnghur, Wzlhington, nc.

6 Sheets-Sheet 4.

(No Model.)

M. A. DALTON. PERMUTATION LOOK.

Patented Nov. 3, 1885.

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(No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 5. M. A. DALTON.

PERMUTATION LOGK. No. 329,820. Patented Nov. 3, 1885.

N. PFIER5, PhotoLiihognplw, Washington, ILC.

(No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 6.

M. A. DALTON.v

PERMUTATION LOCK. No. 329,820. Patented Nov. 3, 1885.

I 1-: l umm UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MILTON ADOLPHUS DALTON, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO.

PERMUTATION-LOCK.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 329,820, dated November 3, 1885.

Application filed August 17, 1 385. Serial No. 174,605.

as will enable others skilled in the art to which itappertains to make and use the same.

The superior safety of keyless combination or permutation locks is everywhere acknowledged; but occasionally persons are met with who object to these locks because they are difficult to unlock, saying that not only must the secret formula of the combination w a different number on the dial.

be remembered, but to work it out by the aid of a dial in the way heretofore known requires a steady hand, as well as light in some form, and eyesightrequisites which are not always at command. It is well known that these keyless combination-locks are unlocked by turning the lock-arbor in accordance with simple combination-lock, let alone a complex fine bank -lock, the unlocking formula of which contains perhaps no less than six num bers, so that the lock-arbor has to be turned to and stopped at six different numbers on the dial, in predetermined order, during as many as twenty right and left turns.

The object of my invention is to provide facilities whereby the turns and halts of the lock-arbor, in working out the combination,

I or, in other words, unlocking such a combination-lock, are controlled mechanically; and to this end it consists of an unlocker so organized with a combination-key and agovern- -or that one or the other of these parts may engage the external end of the lock-arbor to turn it,subject to deadlocks between such key and governor, which deadlocks occur successively, turning right and left alternately,

and stop the arbor mechanically at each predetermined halt of the combination. By means of such an unlocker the particular combination-lock to which it is adapted may 7 and permutable bits B B B B 7 the disk A is provided with a continuous se- (No model.)

be unlocked in the dark by the sense of feeling alone, and by any person soever, provided the key has been set to the proper combination.

My invention can be embodied in a variety of forms.

In order that it may be clearly understood, I have illustrated in the annexed drawings, and will proceed to describe, several forms thereof.

Form 1.Figure 1 represents an axial section of the unlocker, showing it as applied to a lock-arbor, the section being taken in the plane indicated by broken line 00 m of Fig. 2. Fig. 2 represents a front view of the unlocker. Fig. 3 illustrates a series of permutable bits for the combination-key. Fig. 4 represents afront view of the governor. Fig. 5 represents an axial section of the governor, taken in the plane indicated by broken line 3 y of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 illustrates the split ring for covering the dial. Fig. 7 is a dia gram of the respective circles described by the key-bits and by the governor-pins, also showing by radial lines the arcs of motion.

successively imparted to the two pin-barrels of the governor by each turn of the key. Figs. 8, 9, and 10 illustrate one modification, and Figs.1l,12,and 13 another modification,of one of the governor s pin-barrels to adapt the unlocker for working out twice as long a combination.

This unlocker is adapted for unlocking combination-locks of the character described in my United States Patents No. 221,789 and No. 221,790, in whichlocks the combination is worked out by alternate lifts of the so-called controller, and settings of the s'o-called permuter, the unlocker illustrated in the first seven figures, which I will describe first, being adapted to a lock requiring three settings of the permuter to four lifts of the controller in working out the combination.

The combination-key consists of a disk, A, The edge of ries of closely-contiguous and equidistant slits, a, and around the inner circle of these slits the disk has a circular recess for a dial-face by which the slits are suitably numbered. A split guard-ring, D, is placed in the dial-recess, exposing but'a fraction of the dial.- This split guard-ring is circularly movable, so that it may expose any desired part of the dial. The permutable bits are stiff fiat strips of metal fitting edgewise in the slits a, and having forked tails to clasp the disk beyond the slits, and at the same time hold the split guard-ring in place. The active partof each bit is a small tooth (marked, respectively, b b b bi) projecting beyond the outer edge of the main body of the strip. The position of the tooth on any one bit differs from the position of that on every other bit, so that when the bits are attached to the disk A their teeth lie in different planes, as illustrated in Fig. 3. The disk A is suitably constructed to concentrically engage the exterior end of the lock-arbor O, and has aknob by which it may be conveniently turnedafter it has been applied to the'lock-arbor.

The governor consists of two pin-barrels, E and F, of equal diameter, mounted side by side on studs 6 and f, projecting from a bedplate, F which may be permanently attached to the door. These pin-barrels are geared together by like spur-wheels, E and F,- so that motion given to either imparts an equal motion to the other. Pin-barrel E is buta disk circumferentially studded with three equidistant pairs of radial pins, 1 and 1, 2 and 2, 3 and 3 all the pins being set in the same cross-plane and having the same length. The distance between the two pins of each pair from center to center is equal to an arc of thirty degrees. Pin-barrel Fis also provided with three circumferentially-equidistant pairs ofsimilarly-spaced radial pins, 4 and 4, 5 and; 5, 6 and 6. The two pins of a pair are lo-; cated in the same cross-plane on this barrel, but the plane of each pair differs from that of every other pair,as well as from that of the pins of barrel E, so that the twelve pins of" these two pin-barrels are disposed in four different planes coinciding, respectively, with the four planes of the teeth ofthe four keybits B B B B when the combination-key is applied to the lock-arbor. In this example the tooth of bit B then lies in the plane of the three pairs of pins of barrel E, the-tooth'of bit- B in that 'of pins 4 and 4, the tooth of bit B in that of pinszo-and 6 and the tooth of bitB in that of pins 5 and 5. The pin-barrels occupy such positions with reference to the axis of the lock-arbor (which forms the axis of rotation of the combination-key when applied) that the key-bits can engage the pins seriatt'm, as will be presently explained more fully. A pawl, G, is applied to spur-wheel E to prevent the pin-barrels from being turned in -working out the combination of the lock, except each in the direction indicated by the respective arrows in Fig.2, so that the combi- -'nation-key must be turned from left-to right to transmit-motion by its bit B,-but from right to-left to transmit motion by either one of'its 6 5- other three bits to the pin-barrels. Thepinbarrels are so intergeared and receive such impulses from the successive driving actions of the key-bits that, supposing a pin to standon a line drawn from the center of the combination-key or lock-arbor to the center of pinbarrel E, the remaining pins will, by the required successive right and left turns of the combination-key, be successively turned into position to be driven by successive key-bits,

a pair of pins of one barrel succeeding a pair of pins of the other barrel in regular order,

because each pin is successively acted upon and driven through an arc of thirty degrees by the appropriate key-bit. The parts are here so proportioned that when the second pin of a pair of either barrel has been driven forward as far as the appropriate key-bit can drive it, then the first pin of a pair of the other barrel will coincide with a line drawn from the center of this other barrel to the center of the combination-key The number of teeth in the wheels E and F is alsoa multiple of the whole number of pins in the two pin-barrels, so that the pawl G may properly fall behind a tooth at the end of each impulse given to the pinbarrels.

Observing that the lifts of the controller of my look before mentioned are, in this instance, assumed to require the turning of the lockarbor from left to right and the settings of the permuter turn from right to left, also that thelifts and settings require two turns and a fraction of a turn each, and, finally, that the lifts are all completed at the same pointin'the third turn, while each setting requires stoppage at a different point, I willeXplain-how to obtain the combination for the key required for working out the combination of the lock.

Apply disk A without any key-bits and without the split guard-ring to the lock-arbor.

Then turn the pin-barrels by hand until pin 1 coincides with a line drawn from the center of i the lock-arbor to the center of barrel E and throw pawl G into gear. Then turn the lockarbor by disk A from left to right, and stop when you see, by observation of the lock, that" Now turn from right to'left two turns, cans-l ing key-bit B to successively drive pins 1 and 1 before it, so that pin-barrelF will be turned until its pin 4: coincides with a line'dr'awn from the center of disk A to the center of the said barrel. Continuing to turn a little farther in the same direction, observe the lock, and

stop turning when you see that one of the permuter-pins is under the controller-pin. Now

take the number of the slit (1 which is opposite pin 4, and turn the disk back a little toI place key-bit B in said slit. Then turn again from left to right, whereby key-bit B will "be caused to successively drive before it pins 4 and at, so that pin 2 of barrel E will'be moved to the position-occupied at the start by pin 1 T thereof. Continuing to turn from left to right a little farther, key-bit B will strike pin 2, and

disk. The key-bits may be applied to the disk- 'since'by that motion pin-barrel E cannot be turned, being prevented by pawl G, the key is brought to a dead stop, and at the precise point where the lift of the controller-is completed the second time. Turn again from rightto left, and find the position for and apply key-bit B, as

was done with respect to key-bit B. Then turn again from left to right to make another lift, as before, and finally turn once more from right to left to find the position for key-bit B The numbers marking the slits for the different key-bits must be duly impressed on the memory. The combination-key may then be removed, the key -bits withdrawn, and the split guard-ring put in the dial-recess of the A at any time, the dial and the split in the guard-ring affording the means of finding the proper slits for the respective bits.

The guard-ring is useful inhiding the numbers of the combination of the key-bits, so that the unlocker may be used in the presence of lookers-on without danger of giving any suffr ciently accurate clew to the relative positions of the key-bits, to obtain which by observation merely is made still more difficult by the similarity of the keybits as to all points, except the position of the driving teeth.

In working out the combination of thelock with the key thus prepared, it is essential that at the start pin 1 stand on a line drawn vfrom the center of the key to the center of barrel E. That this position of pin-barrel E may be attained by the sense of feeling, Iprovide pawl G with a reverse pawl, G, adapted to engage a notch, e, in barrel E, when said barrel assumes the particular positionl'mentioned.

To unlock,proceed as follows: After applying the key, turn the arbor to the startingpoint, the same as is done in the ordinary operation of unlocking my aforesaid locks. Next turn pawl G to disengage wheel E and let reverse pawl G bear on pin barrel Then verse to the arrows of Fig. 2 until reverse pawl G drops into the notch e of pin-barrel E and stops further rotation of the pin-barrels. Dis-.

engaging the reverse pawl and throwing pawl G in gear with wheel E completes the preliminary work. Now turn the key from left to right until bit B strikes pin 1, arresting motion in that direction. This completes the; first lift; .Then turn from right to left until stopped by bit B striking pin 4. This effects the first setting of. the permuter. Proceed in this way,

turning alternately in reverse directions to adcad stop each time,until finally, on reversing after the last lift, the bolt of the lock-is withdrawn. 7

Fig. 3 shows a series of seven key-bits, by the use of which,together with a suitably constructed and operating pin-barrel, F, a lock requiring seven lifts of the controller and six settings of the permuter may be unlocked. When in such case it is desirable or preferred to.maintain..the relative proportions of the consist of a sleeve so mounted on a tubular neck of gear-wheel F that said barrel can be adjusted along said neck. Thus in the lowest position on such neck the pins of barrel F would be in range, respectively, of the key-bits B, B", and B", while in its highest position the pins would be in range of the key-bits B, B and B". Figs. 8, 9, and illustrate one way of constructing such a pin-barrel F. It is held in either position on the neck by an inwardly-projecting pin, f, on the barrel entering one end or the other of a devious slot, f cut in the said neck, so that the barrel cannot turn thereon, a

spring, f being placed in a cavity in the barrel,which causes its pin to be pressed up into the locking ends of said slot. The barrel is adjusted by first forcing it along the neck to unlock its pin, after which the barrel is turned and slid along the neck, and then turned back again to let its-pin enter the other end of the slot.

Another form of adjustable barrel F is shown in Figs. 11, 12, and 13. In this case inwardly -projeting pins of the barrel engage straight longitudinal slots in the neck, and the barrel is adjusted along the neck and held in position by means of a nut, f, on stud f, and a spring, f placed in the tubular neck, the nut and spring acting antagonistically on the inwardly-projecting pins of the barrel. This adjustable pin-barrel-is held in one position until the third setting of the permuter and the fourth lift of the controller have been effected, then the barrel is shifted so as to bring its pairs or pins respectively in range with the alternate key-bits B*, B and B, when the operation of unlocking is resumed and finished. It is important to prevent the pinbarrels from turning while barrel F is being shifted. I therefore apply a pawl, H, to gearwheel F, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2,which can i be thrown in gear, and in conjuction with pawl *G prevent any turning of the barrels. turn the pin-barrels by hand in directions re- To adaptthisunlocker to combination-locks which require a variable number of turns, right and left alternately, of the lock arbor as, for instance, four turns right, then three turns left, then two turns right, &c.as is the case with many combination-locks, it is onlyv necessary to use pin barrels having.:instead of pairs of pins, groups of four, three, 8m, and to arrange every group of the two barrelsin adifferent cross-plane, so that a separate key-bit is required for each group.

Form 2.Fig. 14 represents a perspective View of this form of unlocker. Fig. 15 represents an axial section thereof. Figs. 16, 17, 18, 19., and illustrate various parts of the unlocker in detail. The unlocker shown in these figures is adapted to any one of my aforesaid locks requiring four lifts of the controller and three settings of the permuter to work out the combination of the lock.

The combination-key consists of a central cylindrical stem, I, (so constructed that it may concentrically engage the lock-arbor,) and a ICC IIS

-seriesof four permutable key-bits, (marked, respectively, I l I I, and strung on the stem,

- together with intervening washers, 17?? i A cross-bar, I, screwed on the outer end of the stem and locked by a set-screw, serves the purpose of clamping the key-bits so as to hold them firmly in the relative positions in which they may be arranged, and also forms a handle for turning the key. A washer, i, is placed I i 8,wh1ch pro ects through the longitud slot of pin-barrel K, and also through the 1 ,1 and 1*.

between the cross-bar and the bit I.

The governor consists of a fixed hollow cylinder, K, a tubular longitudinally-split pinbarrel, K, fitted in said cylinder, 2. solid pinbarrel, K fitted in barrel K, and a spring, K placed under barrel K and tending to project it. Cylinder K is fixed on a plate, I", which may be permanently attached to the safe-door, and which may also form the base for a removable dial used in ascertaining the combination of the lock and setting the permutable key-bits accordingly. Near its baseslotted side of cylinder K, protruding s f from the latter that in certain positions it ill be in range of one or another of the key-bits Pin-barrel K projects from pinbarrel K as well as from cylinder K, and its outer end is provided with a suitable knob for operating it by hand. Key-bit I terminates with a yielding tooth, z, in the form of a pin, the head of which lies in a longitudinal cavity in the body of the bit against a spring which keeps the tooth projected. This yielding tooth i provided in order that in turning the lock bor from left to right, as is required pre a atory to starting the unlockin ti thi key-bit 1 may be forced past pin 7 when in 7 has reached the end of slot k, as show i Fig. 14. However, this conjunction of the parts will be at once conveyed to the operator b bhe sense of feeling, because the spring-a .-tooth offers considerable resistance to such d passage, and it is essential that the o rator should know, because in working out the combination of the lock a lift of the con-i troller is completed at each such conj unction Th plane of crossrslot it corresponds with the plane of key-bit 1 the plane of cross-slot 10 1 with that of key-bit I and the plane of cross; slot 70 with that of key-bit I Key-bits 1 ,1 and I are plain unyielding strips of metal.

The combination for the key-bits-that is,the'

i required relative arrangement thereof-may be readily ascertained from working out the combination of the look by mereobservance thereof, and noting at the halts, by the aid of a dial or other .device,,first, what position is re-.

- 8 strikesbafiie k quired for the key-bit I to strike pin 7 when said pin is in the position shown in Figs. 14: and 18'; secondly, where key-bit I must be placed to strike at the completion of the first setting of the permuter-pin 8, which is then.

in the end of cross-slot k -thirdly, th e required position of key-bit I to strikeat the completion of the second setting of the permuter-pin 8, which is then in the end of the cross-slot I0 I to strike at the completion of the third .set-

ting of the permuter-pin 8, which is then in.

the end of cross-slot k Any one of my aforesaid locks may be unand, lastly, the required position of keyebit;

locked by this form of the unlocker, the key.

bit having been first duly arranged in proper combination. Apply the combination-key to the look-arbor and turn first three times ,to the left, and then three times to the right, at

K so that neither pin-barrel can .turn,-and key-bit I must be forced past pin 7. See that pin 8 is in the lower end of slot 76* under baffle k. Now turn the key from left to right the same time holding the knob of pin-barrel.;..-

and stop when the key-bit I strikes pin 7,

(which is still in the position shown in Figs. '14 and 18.) This makes the first lift of the controller. Next turn from right to left. The first turn in that direction causes key-bit I to turn the pin-barrels by pin 7 far enough to turn pin 8 from under baffle 70, so that the spring K will project pin-barrel Knntil-its pin 8 strikes baffle k Thesecond turn in the same direction causes key-bit 1 to turn the IOC pin-barrel by pin 7 far enough to.carry.pin;;

v8 to the end of crossslot is". On the third turn in thesame direction key-bit I strikes pin 8 and the key is brought to a dead stop. This completes the first setting of the permuter.

Turning the key again from left to right, key-H;

bit 1 will, on the first turn, rotate both pinbarrels by pin 8 so far as toturn pin .7. to the position shown in Figs. .14 and .18 to be occupied by pin 7, and key-bit Iescaping from pin 8 leaves it in position under baffie 15?; 1 turns both pin-barrels by pin 7 ,.moving ;pin 8 from under baffle It, so that spring -K will again project pin-barrel K tuntil its pin IIO On the secondturn to the right, key-bit On the third turn to the I right, stop when key-bit I strikes .pin 7,w-hich makesthe second lift of the controller. Turning again to the left, proceed to make the second setting of. the permuter. Thus turn alternately to the right and to the left, turningeach time until the key-is brought to a dead stop, and

you will unlock the look without any .efiort of the memory or the eye.

Figs. 21, 22, and 2:; illustrate modificationsin thedetails of the construction of the key. 5?;

g of the unlocker just described. The'key-bits are here screwed into loose rings, and have tapering points adapted to press. into .V-

shaped grooves around the .stem of thekey .to fasten onto it by friction, as clearly. shown The key-bits are square bars with a round tooth at'the outer end,.so that;;theyi.can..bo

turned by an ordinary clock-key to unscrew them or to screw them home. The key-bit I, which corresponds to key-bit I, Fig. 15, has a tooth seated against a spring; but the tooth is provided with a laterally-projecting pin, which permits the tooth to yield or looks it rigidly, according as said pin is turned into a longitudinal slot or into a cross-slot in the keybit. Thus, after the lock arbor has been turned to the starting position, this tooth can be locked by turning its pin into the cross-slot, so that in the working out of the combination of the lock this key-bit cannot be forced past the governor-pin.

Form 3.-Fig. 21* represents an axial section of this form of unlocker. Fig. 22* represents an elevation of the same. Fig. 23* represents a crosssection in the plane indicated by broken line ma; of Fig.22*. Fig. 24* represents a cross-section in the plane indicated by broken line 3 3/ of Fig. 22*.

In its general characteristics this unlocker resembles the one designated as Form 2. The combinationkey consists of a central cylindrical stem, T, an unehangeable or fixed keybit, V and a series of five permutable key-- bits (marked, respectively, t t t t t) strung on the stem together with intervening washers, the said washers being provided each with a tongue to engage a longitudinal groove in the stem T. The permutable key-bits and washers are clampedbetween the collar of the fixed key-bit and a clamping-nut, T, on the screwthreaded end (which I term the upper end for the sake of distinction) of the stem, and above this nut the stem is provided with afixed milled head for turning it. The lower end of the stem is adapted to enter a socket in the lock-arbor, (not shown,) and is provided with a pin,-T, to engage said arbor. The bore of the lower end of the clamping-nut is enlarged to receive a spiral spring, T, which exerts a constant downward pressure on the washers and permntable key-bits, and which, by preventing the too easy turning of the latter when the nut is unscrewed, facilitates arranging them in the desired combination.

The governor consists of a fixed tubular barrel, U, a trundle mounted to turn on said barrel, a check-disk in constant engagement with the upper head of the trundle, and a rider, U, mounted on the bars of the trundle. Barrel U is provided with a base-plate, T, which has a pin, T to enter a hole in the safedoor, (not shown,) and aring-extension which encircles the lower end of the stem T of the combination-key, and thus yokes it to the lower end of the governor. The axis of the barrel is parallel to the axis of the key. The upper and lower ends of the barrel are smooth and form fixed journals, on which the respective heads of the trundle turn. The intervening external portion of the barrel has a series .of twelve circular grooves, so arranged that the upper groove and the next four alternate grooves lie in the respective planes of the five permutable key-bits, while the two lowest y grooves lie in the plane of the fixed key-bit V All the grooves and dividing-ribs are intersected by a longitudinal groove, u which is parallel to the axis of the barrel. Anotch, v, is cut across the uppermost dividing-rib to connect the adjacent circular grooves, and a similar notch, 12, is cut across every alternate dividing-rib below it, all said notches 2; being on a line parallel to the axis of the barrel. A similar line of notches, v, is cut across the intervening dividing-ribs; but this line of notches is removed by a number of degrees from the line of notches o, as clearly shown in Fig. 24*. The trundle consists of the lower head, a", the upper head, a and a series of four connecting-bars, a u a a each of which bars is encircled by a spiral spring, a. The lower head, a, of the trundle is provided with two laterally-proj ecting pins, Vand V, adapted to be struck successively by the fixed key-bit V on turning the key. The upper head, 1/5, is yoked to the key by a yoke having the form of two connected rings, one of which encircles the lower end of clamping-nut T, while the other encircles the said upper trundle-head. The rider U is a circular collar slipped on the connecting-bars of the trundle above the spiral springs, and provided with a cross-pin, U the inner end of which engages the grooved portion of barrel U, while its outer end projects so far that it may be struck by the key bits. The position of pin U with reference to pins V and V on the lower trundle-head may be about that shown in Fig. 24*. The checkdisk U is supported above the upper end of barrel U, and the upper trundle-head on the upper end of a stem, a, which is fitted in the tubular barrel U, and encircled by a spiral spring, a, within the barrel. Spring to presses against the head at the lower end of stem to, so as to exert a constant downward pull through the stem on the check-disk. The cheek-disk has two clutch-pins, a and u which hold it in constant engagement with the upper trundle-head, entering holes therein, and a stoppin, a, which is adapted to enter a sectoral slot, a in the upper end of barrel U.

It will be observed that the trundle, rider, and check-disk are constantly interlocked, so that they can only turn in unison, and that their turnings are limited by a stop-pin, a, when the latter projects into sectoral slot a. This sectoral slot is so located and of such length that so long as stop-pin a projects into it rider U may be turned back and forth, so as to carry its pin U to the notches o and o, alternately, but cannot be turned far enough to carry its pin to the longitudinal groove a. To effect that, the check-disk must first be retracted to draw its stop-pin out of sectoral slot at This unlocker is adapted to any one of my aforesaid locks requiring six lifts of the controller and five settings of the permuter to work out the combination of the lock, and its operation is as follows:

Assuming that the permutable key-bits are arranged in requiredjcombination for a given lock, the unlocker is prepared for action by first retracting the check-disk far enough to draw stop-pin out of sectoral slot a, then turning rider U to carry its pin U to longitudinal groove u" of barrel U, then depressing the rider in opposition to the springs it until its pin U reaches the lowermost circular groove on barrel U, and finally turning the rider again to carry its pin to the notch 12 in the lowermost dividing-rib, which notch is about on a line drawn from the center of keystem T to the center of barrel U. During the final turning of the rider, and consequently the trundle and check-disk, the stop-pin of the latter is again brought into line with the sectoral slot u and the spring u immediate- 1y pulls the check-disk down, so as to project its stop-pin again into said sectoral slot. On releasing the rider springs u, will'slide it up on the trundle to carry its pin U through the said notch 11 into the next circular groove of the barrel. The key is then turned from left to right. On the first turn the fixed keybit strikes pin U carrying it about halfway to the notch 22 in the next dividingrib.

On the second turn in the same direction the fixed key-bit strikes pin V on the lower trundle-head, turning the trundle and rider, so as to carry pin U to said notch v, on reaching which the springs 20 again slide the rider up on the trundle, so as to carry 'pin U through said'notch into the next higher circular groove of the barrel. By this time the check-disk has been turned to carry its stop-pin so far toward the other end of sectoral slot to that during the third turn inthe same direction the key is brought to a dead stop when its fixed bit V has turned pin'V on the lower trundle-head to the position shown in Fig. 24*. This completes the first lift of the controller. The key is then turned from right to left. On the first and second turns the fixed key-bit V successively strikes the pins V and -V of the trundle, turning it so as to carry pin U to the notch v in the next higher dividing 7 rib, on reaching which notch the springs u again slide the rider up on the trundle, so as to carry pin U through said notch into the next higher circular groove of the barrel. The pin U thus reaches the same cross-plane in which permutable key-bit 1. 'moves. By this time stop-pin u has been turned so far back to the other end of sectoral slot a that the key is brought to a dead stop when permutable bit thas moved pin U so far, during the third turn of the key in the same direction, that said pin U about coineides with a line drawn from the center of the key to the center of the governor. This completes the first setting of the permuter. The

key is then again turned from left to right until again brought to a dead stop, as'on the first turning, which completes the second lift ofthe controller. The second setting of the permuter is efi'ected'on again turning from right to left until permutable key-bit t. is brought to a dead stop by pin U. Turning thus alternatel'y frorn left to right and from right to left is continued until the last lift of the controller has been accomplished, when, on reversing'the motion of the key, the bolt of the lock will be retracted.

I term key-bit V a fixed key-bit, because it remains fixed in the same position-oustern T as long as the unlocker is used for unlocking one and the same combination-lock, the nec= essary changes in the unlocker required to be made in changing the combination of the lock being effected by rearrangement of the permutable key-bits only; but the fixed key-bit is also so fastenedby set-screw, for instance, as sho'wnto stem T that it may be adjusted thereon for'primary adjustment to any lock.

Form 4.Fig. 24 represents-a perspective view of this form of unlocker; sents an axial section of the same. Figs. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32 illustrate parts thereof in detail. r

The combination-key of this unlocker is constructed like that of the unlocker designated as Form 2, except that the yielding tooth of one of the key-bits is omitted. Four key-bits; L L L L are provided in this instance, all alike,- strung with intervening washers, ZZ Z Z on the stem of the key, and secured by the knob and a locking set-screw.

The governor consists of four hollow posts, M M M M", fixed equidistantly in a circleon a circular base-plate, P, which is provided with means to hold it in proper position on the door when the unlocker is used. When applied, the four hollow posts should stand in a concentric circle around the lock arbor. Hollow post M has a longitudinal slot,- m,with a branch cross-slot, 0, and contains a pin barrel, N, the pin n of which projects through the slotted side of the hollow post. Aspring, 0, under the spring-barrel tends to project it,

Fig. 25 repre= and the pin-barrel is provided with a stern projecting through theme]: of the hollow post, so that such pin-barrel may be pressed along the post by hand ino'pposition to the spring. The other posts aresim'ilarly slotted, the slots being marked, respectivelyymo, W

0" and m 0 but the cross-slots are'in difler ent cross-planes. The plane of cross-slot i corresponds with that of key-bit L, the plane of cross-slot 0- with that of bit L, the plane of cross-slot o with that of bit L, and the plane rection and the cross-slots 0 and o a reverse direction. The other hollow posts also con tain each a pin-barrel, (marked, respectively, N n, N n, and N 3 12 and each a spring, (respectively marked 0, O and O The base-plate P is provided with an unnumbered dial, the numbers being marked on a removable dial-ring, P, which is used only in ascertaining the required arrangement of the key-bits and in arranging them accordingly before use ofthe key, and is then removed, so that it will be impossible for any person looking on at the unlocking of thelock to ascertain the correct relative positions of the key-bits.

To unlock one of my aforesaid looks with this unlocker, proceed as follows: See that all the pin-barrels are projected so that their pins are at the outer ends of the longitudinal slots of the hollow posts, and so out of the range of the key-bits. Then turn the keyin theknown way for moving the parts of the lock to the proper starting position. Next depress pinbarrel N and turn it to move its pin it into cross-slot 0. Then turn the key to the right until stopped by its bitL striking pin '12. This makes the first lift of the controller. Next turn to the left two full turns. At the first turn, pin it is struck by bit L and turned out of cross-slot 0 into longitudinal slot m, and the pin-barrel N projected by the spring 0, as before. At the end of the second turn stop to depress pin-barrel N, and turn it to move its pin n into cross-slot o, after which resume turning to the left and continue until stopped by key-bit L striking pin n. This makes the first setting of the permuter. Next turn again to the right two full turns, which causes pin 11 to be turned out of cross-slot 0 into longitudinal slot m, and the pin-barrel N to be projected by spring 0, as before. Stop at the end of the second turn to again depress pin-barrel N, and turn it to move its pin n again into cross-slot 0, after which resume turning to the right and continue until stopped by key-bit L striking pin n. This makes the second lift of the controller.

The second and third settings of the permuter are made in the same way as the first setting, except that pin-barrel N is used for the second and pin-barrel N for the third setting, and the remaining lifts of the controller are all effected in the same way as the second lift.

Form 5.This form of unlocker, which is illustrated in perspective in Fig. 33, consists of a combination-key resembling that of the unlocker designated as Form 1, and a governor resembling that of the unlocker designated as Form 2; but in this instance the combination-key is fixed, while the governor revolves, being secured to a handle which is suitably constructed to engage the lock-arbor.

With this explanation the construction and operation of this unlocker can be readily understood from the illustration without further description of the details.

Form 6.Fig. 34 represents a perspective view of this unlocker. Fig. 35 represents an axial section thereof.

The combination-key of this unlocker consists of a stem, Q, adapted to engage the lockarbor and provided with an arm, Q, and a series of rotatable disk-tumblers, It R R, loose on said stem. The arm Q and the tumblers are provided with drive-pins like the driving arm and disk-tumblers of a combination-lock, and each tumbler has a notch, (marked, re spectively, r r 1.)

The governor consists of a spring-bolt, S, which may be permanently fixed to the safedoor in such position that when the key is applied the spring-bolt may shoot into the notches of the tumblers, as these notches are successively brought into line with said bolt. The spring-bolt may be constructed in any suitable manner.

This unlocker very much resembles an ordinary disk-tumbler combination-lock, and in use operates like it-that is, the stem has to be turned right and left alternately to align. the notches of the tumblers with the springbolt. The key having first been set to the combination which will adapt it to Work out the combination of the lock, unlocking may be effected as follows: After applying the key to the lock-arbor, turn the key a number of 5 times in the direction in which the lock-arbor must be turned, to the first number of the combination of the lock, holding the spring-bolt back in the meanwhile, so as to prevent it from engaging the notch of tumbler R. Then release the spring-bolt and continue turning in the same direction until stopped by the springbolt being automatically projected into notch r of tumbler R Turn in the reverse direction until tumbler R is engaged by the springbolt. Then reverse again and turn until stopped by the engagement of tumbler R by the spring-bolt.

Each deadlock between the key and the governor of the unlocker makes one number of the combination of the lock.

All forms of the unlocker are so constructed that the combination-key, together with its dial, can be easily removed from and reattached to the safe-door, so that the bits of said key, which should be or may be disarranged after use, can be rearranged at leisure and where ample light can be had. The combination-key, once set properly, can be used by any person to open the lock of the safe in the dark, if necessary.

I have described several forms of my invention to show that great variations may occur in its mechanical embodiment. I could easily multiply examples, but deem the foregoing sufficient for the purpose. I believe that I am the first to produce an unlocker for keyless combination-locks which operates to mechanically control the turns and halts of the lockarbor in working out the combination of the locknamely, by coming to a dead stop at each number of the combination. I therefore "is i 329,920

, claim such an unlocker as broadly as is possible within legal bounds.

I claim as my invention-- 1. An unlocker for combination-locks,which consists of a combination-key and a governor,

substantially as before set forth, whereby the turns and halts of the lock-arbor, in working out the combination of the lock, are controlled projecting pin, the inner end of which engages consisting of the following elements, viz: ,an

externally grooved and notched fixed barrel, a trundle mounted to turn on said barrel and having two laterally-projecting pins on one of its heads, a rider mounted upon springs on the bars of the trundle and having a laterallythevgrooved barrel, and a retractible stop- -diskjpermanently clutched to one of the heads of the'trundle, and having a stop-pin adapted to enter a sectoral slot in the end of said-barrel.

4. lhe combination, substantially as before: 0

set forth, with a combination-key the stern of which carries one fi Xed key-bit and aseriesjof permutable key-bits, of a governor composed, essentially, of an externally grooved and notched barrel, a trundle mounted to turn on 5 said barrel and provided with laterally-projecting pins, a rider mounted upon springs on the trundle and having a laterally-projecting pin, the inner end of which engages the grooved barrel, and a retracted check-disk which is 140 permanently clutched to the trundle, and a stop-pin adapted to enter a sectoral slot in the end of the said barrel.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses. I

MILTON ADOLPHUS DALTOK, Witnesses: 7' I EDMUND J. MOFFAT,

J. H. BEIGARTL 

